Sweden to Reform Citizenship Requirements to Tighten Migration Policy

The Swedish government has announced plans to tighten citizenship requirements in response to an inquiry that revealed “numerous questionable” citizenship decisions. The proposed measures aim to strengthen the process for granting citizenship and improve the management of migration to Sweden.

Proposed Changes to Citizenship Requirements

The new citizenship plan, reported on March 20 by EuroWeekly, introduces several key changes:

  • Extended Residency Requirement: The residency period before an individual can apply for citizenship will increase from five years to eight years.
  • Language and Culture Testing: Applicants will face new tests assessing their proficiency in the Swedish language and their knowledge of Swedish culture.
  • Self-Sufficiency Requirement: The government plans to implement a self-sufficiency requirement, raising the minimum income threshold for applicants. Previously, applicants were required to have a gross monthly salary of SEK 6,186 (approximately 562 euros). The new proposal increases this to SEK 20,000 (around 1,815 euros).
  • Lifestyle Mandates: Current laws already require applicants to have led an “orderly life,” free from crime, unpaid debts, and any activities that may pose a national security risk. The proposed reforms will further emphasize this requirement.

These proposed changes are currently undergoing review by the government.

Context of the Reform

The decision to reform citizenship requirements aligns with broader shifts in Sweden’s migration policy. Recent years have seen various measures aimed at making it more challenging for individuals to apply for asylum. Notably, the number of granted asylum cases in 2024 fell to its lowest level in four decades, with fewer than 10,000 applications, the least recorded in almost 30 years.

Furthermore, the Swedish government is considering a bill that would prevent rejected asylum seekers from reapplying without first leaving the country. This measure aims to curb the issue of individuals going “underground” while waiting out a four-year statute of limitations before being eligible to reapply for asylum.

Additionally, the government has proposed a cash incentive of 34,000 dollars (approximately 33,000 euros) to encourage certain migrants to leave Sweden voluntarily. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has also advocated for the creation of “return hubs” in safe countries outside the EU for migrants who lack the right to remain in the EU.

The State of Migration in Sweden

As of 2024, over 1.6 million third-country nationals (TCNs) reside in Sweden, making up about 15 percent of the total population. The most common non-EU countries of origin include Syria, Iraq, Iran, Somalia, and Afghanistan.

Despite Sweden's historical stance on welcoming migrants, a 2024 study conducted by Geopolitical Intelligence Services (GIS) highlighted gaps in the integration of immigrants. High unemployment rates in certain neighborhoods and the prevalence of schools with no Swedish-speaking teachers underscore the need for better integration policies.

Sweden ranks among the top countries in the National Integration Evaluation Mechanism (NIEM), scoring 72.5 out of 100 for its refugee integration policies. However, the European Commission noted that this score reflects a moderately supportive approach to long-term integration frameworks, indicating room for improvement.

As Sweden prepares to implement these significant changes to its citizenship requirements, it continues to navigate the challenges of migration and integration in a rapidly changing landscape.